Page 8 of Miss Gardiner
Once attorneys for the bank departed, Fitzwilliam Darcy remained in his chair and with one hand, motioned for Clemmons to remain in his chair. Across the table from the firm’s client, Albert Belmont stood; he expected young Darcy to storm from the buildingin a temper.
“I have concerns,” Darcy said, beginning a second discussion. “And your actions will determine if my concerns are alleviated or expanded.”
“Our actions?” asked one man as the attorneys sat down once again.
“Yes, your actions,” replied Darcy. “In my opinion, your word is worthless today.”
“Darcy!” exclaimed Belmont.
“For five years you held a document that obligated my estate to support Lady Catherine without any information or notice coming to me,” he explained. “I receive many letters and notices each week. Mr Clemmons has been with me for ten years and he catches nuances and loopholes better than any pack of attorneys in your employ.”
“We followed the requirements of the contract,” Belmont replied. “As required by the law.”
Clemmons handed a quickly scribbled note and after reading it, Darcy nodded his head in understanding. He turned back to Belmont and asked, “Are there other documents that obligate my estate to pay any debts of Lady Catherine, Lord Matlock, or any other relative, friend of my father or myself, or any business in which I hold an interest?”
Belmont smiled and replied, “I am unaware of any such documents or debts.”
“And the other attorneys in this firm? Are they aware or know of any?”
The five attorneys exchanged glances and some whispers before Belmont smiled once again, “We are unaware of any such obligations.”
“Good, you will put that in writing and sign the document here today,” Darcy said.
Belmont frowned and argued for time to consider the request, but Mr Darcy stood firm.
“Today. While I remain in this chair,” Fitzwilliam stated.
“Darcy…”
“I have had a series of unpleasant surprizes this morning,” Darcy stated. “I believe that my aunt is a thief and forger. I believe you and your firm aided her fraudulent effort. My attorneys are not representing my interests.”
“Now see here,” objected one of the men while Belmont frowned.
Now, Darcy smiled for the first time and added, “Hereafter, there will be no funds from my accounts to pay for any of your services for Lady Catherine, Rosings Park, Anne de Bourgh, or for Lord Matlock, his family or his estate.”
He glanced at Mr Clemmons before saying, “We shall examine each bill for the last year and determine if all the charges are for Darcy businesses or not.”
“You cannot…”
Now Darcy rose, towering over the table, and growled, “The signed letter…now. We shall speak again in three days.”
It took two attempts to get the proper letter drafted and then another two copies to get proper signatures from each of the attorneys at the table.
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In the coach and headed back to Mayfair, Darcy asked Clemmons, “Who is the best attorney in the City to destroy the career of other attorneys?”
“Moffit and Sons,” Clemmons replied without hesitation.
“We must disentangle ourselves from Belmont first but then I shall destroy him and his business.”
“Sir, the simplest way to destroy the reputation of Mr Belmont will be to move your business elsewhere and when asked about the move, simply state, ‘I must have honest lawyers’.”
Listening to the man, Darcy nodded, “If I answer that type of question with a few acquaintances at my club, and Belmont’s firm will collapse within the year.”
“And Lady Catherine?” asked Clemmons.
Darcy turned toward his secretary who blushed but maintained eye contact. “My aunt will die of apoplexy after I take her properties in Gravesend and Mr Knowles leaves her employ. It will not take long for Rosings Park to collapse under debt, tenant riots, and Anne’s bottles of sherry.”
